Tyndale Open Study Notes1 Samuel 9

Saul became powerful through three main events:

1. Samuel secretly anointed him (1 Samuel 9:1–10:16).

2. He was chosen by casting lots (1 Samuel 10:17–27).

3. He defeated the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1–15).

See also study note on 1 Samuel 13:1–16:13.

a powerful man, whose name was Kish: Saul came from a wealthy family.

Saul's looks, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites, made people loyal to him (see 1 Samuel 10:23; compare 16:12; 2 Samuel 14:25–26).

Zuph, likely in Ephraim, was where Samuel came from (1 Samuel 1:1). God guided Saul to this place.

The phrase man of God referred to a prophet (see 1 Samuel 2:27; also Deuteronomy 33:1; Joshua 14:6; 1 Kings 13:1–32).

no gift to take to the man: It was common to bring a gift when asking for a prophet's help (see 1 Kings 14:2–3; 2 Kings 5:5, 15; 8:8). Some false prophets asked for gifts in exchange for their services (Micah 3:11). Saul's concern might show a misunderstanding, thinking he could buy advice from a prophet of God (Acts 8:20).

• Community leaders usually met for business at the town gates (see Ruth 4:1–2).

• have a sacrifice on the high place: Samuel is one of the few people who combined prophetic and priestly roles (others include Moses, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Jesus).

• the high place: An open-air altar or platform on a hill near the city gate. High places often became sites for pagan idolatry (see Numbers 33:52; 1 Kings 15:14; 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:4, 35).

• To eat: During worship, part of a sacrifice was burned on the altar. The rest was eaten in a ceremonial feast by the guests (see also 1 Samuel 1:4).

• To bless the food: As a Levite, Samuel's role as a priest included offering blessings (see Deuteronomy 10:8; 21:5).

• God's command to anoint Saul (by pouring olive oil on his head) marked his rise in status and dedication for a special purpose (see Exodus 30:22–33; Leviticus 8:12; 1 Kings 19:16; Isaiah 45:1).

• he will save them: As they had asked for (1 Samuel 8:20; compare Judges 13:5). David eventually defeated the Philistines (2 Samuel 5:17–25; 8:1; 21:15, 18–22).

• their cry has come to Me (compare Exodus 3:7–9): The Philistines were again trying to conquer Israel and make them pay tribute as subjects.

• the smallest tribe: Saul tried to downplay Benjamin's importance, but they were strong warriors (Judges 20:14–31; see study note on 1 Samuel 10:17). What better tribe to lead in battle?

• least of all the clans: See 1 Samuel 9:1.

A typical house had a flat roof used for many purposes, like sleeping during warm weather (see Deuteronomy 22:8; 2 Kings 4:10).